Classifying kits

Abstract

Classifying kits useful in separating gold, other precious metals, gems, collectable rocks, fossils, and archaeological artifacts from earth material. Classifying sieves and other parts of the classifying kits herein are configured to be used within a bucket and can readily be removable therefrom. Depending on the parts used and the goals of a user, the kits herein can be used with dry sifting methods or with water.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A Kit for classifying objects from earth material comprising: a bucket having a top aperture opening to a lower main cavity defined by a periphery, and a bottom surface; a self-supporting funnel, configured to be removably inserted and removed within the bucket, wherein the funnel includes a top section positioned between the topside of the funnel and having means, a shelf for holding and vertically supporting a first classifying sieve and a conical section of the funnel positioned below said shelf means for vertical support that tapers inwards towards a small exit hole at the bottom of the funnel; and a first classifying sieve having a mesh screen and configured to be removably inserted into the top section of the funnel. 
     
     
       2. The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of vertically aligned classifying sieves, including said first classifying sieve and a bottom classifying sieve, configured to be removably positioned inside and supported within the funnel above the conical section, wherein the plurality of classifying sieves have progressively finer mesh screens as positioned from top to bottom. 
     
     
       3. The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the funnel includes an external side wall extending downward from the top of the conical section to the bottom surface of the bucket, that vertically supports the funnel. 
     
     
       4. The kit of  claim 3 , wherein the funnel's external side wall includes one or more drainage apertures positioned at the bottom that separate multiple support feet on the funnel. 
     
     
       5. The kit of  claim 4 , wherein the bucket includes drainage holes configured to allow water accumulated at the bottom surface to drain outward. 
     
     
       6. The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a removable bowl, configured to be positioned on and vertically supported by the bottom surface of the bucket below the exit hole of the funnel. 
     
     
       7. The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a removable pail configured to be positioned on and vertically supported by the bottom surface of the bucket, and having a side wall that fits between the funnel and the bucket's periphery. 
     
     
       8. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the top section of the funnel is configured to removably wedge against the bucket's periphery to vertically support said funnel, and where funnel lacks vertical supports that extend downward to the bottom surface of the bucket. 
     
     
       9. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the first classifying sieve includes one or more tabs that allow a user to remove and insert the sieve into the top section of the funnel. 
     
     
       10. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more tabs extend upwards from the edge of the mesh screen and then inward. 
     
     
       11. The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the bottom classifying sieve includes one or more tabs that allow a user to remove and insert the bottom sieve above the conical section of the funnel. 
     
     
       12. The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more tabs extend upwards from the edge of the mesh screen and then angles inward and downward. 
     
     
       13. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the top classifying sieve is vertically supported by a shelf in the top section of the funnel. 
     
     
       14. The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the bottom classifying sieve is vertically supported at the top of the conical section of the funnel. 
     
     
       15. The kit of  claim 4 , further comprising a removable bowl, configured to be positioned on and vertically supported by the bottom surface of the bucket below the exit hole of the funnel, such that said support feet align the bowl to be concentric with the bottom exit hole of the funnel. 
     
     
       16. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the first classifying sieve has a periphery that traverses upwards from the mesh screen. 
     
     
       17. The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the bottom classifying sieve has a periphery that traverses upwards from the mesh screen.